Coitbury House, Winchester
Client: Winchester City Council
Role: RIBA Client Adviser and Competitions Adviser
S. Williams Architects was appointed by Winchester City Council as RIBA Client Adviser to guide the refurbishment of Coitbury House—an important site within the Central Winchester Regeneration (CWR) area.
The wider vision for the CWR area is to create a vibrant, mixed-use quarter that reflects Winchester’s unique character. With a focus on pedestrian-friendly design, rich cultural and retail offerings, and exceptional public realm, the regeneration aims to breathe new life into the city centre through a careful blend of heritage and innovation.
As a pivotal early project within this vision, the refurbishment of Coitbury House required thoughtful leadership and design direction. Sarah Williams supported the Council from the outset, leading a selective competition to appoint the right architectural practice. Working closely with council officers and the Winchester Design Advisory Panel, she helped ensure the chosen team would align with the project's long-term aspirations.
Henley Halebrown Architects were selected for their sensitive yet forward-looking proposal, offering approximately 10,000–11,000 sq ft of high-quality office space, with adaptable ground floor uses designed to respond to evolving market needs.
The project navigated several site-specific challenges—including constrained ceiling heights, aging infrastructure, and a tight footprint. The brief called for a rationalisation of floor plates to enhance arrival experience and ground floor usability, complete renewal of building services, improved energy performance, and full compliance with modern regulations.
Throughout the process, Sarah provided trusted, experienced guidance—ensuring the project remained ambitious, deliverable, and aligned with the spirit of the wider regeneration.
